Association Board Survey 2025 findings now released
Associations Forum and Governology analysed the results of the 2025 Association Board Survey in which 344 associations took part.
The Association Board Survey, conducted annually since 2008, examines a number of trends in association governance and Board composition. This is the second year in which we have surveyed the UK therefore the report now provides the similarities and differences between associations in both countries. As leading providers of governance training and advice, Associations Forum and Governology are pleased to share the following key findings from this year’s survey:
- The average number of directors is 9, with 22% of organisations in Australia having this number of directors.
- Australia’s boards have an average female representation of 48%, indicating significant progress toward gender balance.
- Survey participants reported a greater number of Presidents/Chairs of Board being appointed by their members compared to last year.
- The role of the Company Secretary/Public Office is undertaken by the CEO/Head of Staff in 43% of Australian and 10% of Australian organisations that outsource these services.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Our Cat Herder for sponsoring the Association Board Survey 2025. Associations Forum and Governology would also like to thank all the organisations and individuals who invested their valuable time to complete this survey.
The Report is free for Associations Forum members or can be purchased for $200 (by NFP organisations only) by contacting the team at info@associations.net.au.
END
Media Release Tuesday, 14 October 2025, for immediate release.
For enquiries, please contact Sarea Bhar, Marketing & Communications Officer, Associations Forum at sarea@associations.net.au or call 02 9904 8200.
About Associations Forum
Associations Forum is a commercial, member-based network of 500 associations, charities, clubs, societies and other not-for-profit organisations and is the leading organisation assisting associations in governance, operations, membership and finances.
